;UK and Argentine armed forces today begin a joint exercise in the South Atlantic designed to improve their ability to carry out search and rescue operations. It is the first time that forces from the two countries have exercised together outside UN auspices since before the Falklands conflict in 1982.
The four day exercise will involve ships and aircraft from the Navies and Air Forces of both countries establishing communications, then searching together for a fishing vessel reported sinking in waters to the south of the Falkland Islands. The scenario is designed to be as realistic as possible, and imitates emergencies in which UK and Argentine armed forces have cooperated before in the South Atlantic.
The experience has important humanitarian benefits and will ensure that the most effective search and rescue cover is provided for shipping in the area. It also represents a positive step in the programme of military cooperation between the UK and Argentina. HMS Somerset, the RN frigate currently in the South Atlantic, will play a key role in the exercise and will be supported by a C130 aircraft and a Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter based in the Falkland Islands.
The exercise comes at the same time as the visit to the UK of Admiral Carlos Alberto Marron, Commander in Chief of the Argentine Navy, as the guest of Admiral Sir Michael Boyce, First Sea Lord. Admiral Marron's visit continues the regular high level exchanges between the Royal Navy and the Argentine Navy, which began in 1997.
These exchanges aim to promote understanding and to explore areas of mutual defence interest. Over the course of this week he will visit a number of Royal Navy establishments and vessels at Portsmouth, Plymouth and Faslane. He will also lay a wreath at the South Atlantic Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral.
Both Admiral Boyce and Admiral Marron welcomed the Search and Rescue exercise. Admiral Boyce commented: "This is a good example of the way in which defence cooperation between UK and Argentina can produce real benefits, not just for our armed forces but for many people who depend on their skills and effectiveness. We believe in promoting trust and understanding, but the most valuable lessons come from practical experience. I look forward to a successful exercise that will not only represent a new milestone in our defence relations, but will strengthen the foundations of our wider friendship."
The Search and Rescue exercise runs from 1-4 November and comprise two days' communications exercise (1-2 November) followed by two days' live exercise (3-4 November)
